Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
3 Nephi Chapter 2
hands." Thus it is seen how a leader blessed with the gift of prophecy can do much to bring
success even in time of war.
3 Ne 2:31 And did march forth by thousands; and by tens of thousands, until they had all gone forth to
the place which had been appointed, that they should gather themselves together, to defend themselves
against their enemies.
With them went horses, chariots, cattle, flocks, herds, grain, "and all their substance" (30). "There
were a great many thousand people who were called Nephites” in the group. Doubtless these were
converted Lamanites who no longer wished to be known as Lamanites (A. 24:71; III N. 1:52, 53).
The curse on the land northward was one reason for Lachoneus to move in the other direction (II
N. 1:14; Jb. 2:38; III N. 2:34).
3 Ne 2:35 And they did dwell in one land, and in one body, and they did fear the words which had been
spoken by Lachoneus, insomuch that they did repent of all their sins;
"Fear" here means respect. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10) and "to
hate evil" (Prov. 8:13). Note that the writer makes a point of their repentance being complete.
They "put up their prayers" that they be delivered from their enemies (36). Gidgiddoni caused
them to make "weapons of war, of every kind" and strong armor "with shields, and with bucklers"
(38). The latter was a shield for the arm, generally round, and used to protect the front part of the
body. The successful Nephite generals were always inventing new types of armor and strategy to
surprise the enemy. This had psychological as well as practical value.
The latter part of A.D. 18, the Gadiantons sallied forth from the hills, mountains, wilderness,
strongholds, and their secret places (39). They took possession of the lands and cities which the
Nephites had abandoned (40).
3 Ne 2:41 But behold there were no wild beasts nor game in those lands which had been deserted by the
Nephites, and there was no game for the robbers save it were in the wilderness.
Scorched earth" is a part of modern strategy in war. This was similar in effect, for the Nephites
took all flocks, herds, and grain with them (42).
The robbers would have to risk open battle if they wanted to resort to plundering Nephite supplies
(43). The Nephites had stores sufficient for a seven-year siege.
THE GADIANTONS WERE DESTROYED, VER. 46-76
3 Ne 2:49 And it came to pass that they did come up to battle; and it was in the sixth month; and
behold, great and terrible was the day that they did come up to battle;
The next year "Giddianhi found that it was expedient" to go against the Nephites, else they would
starve. They could not risk spreading out to raise grain, lest the Nephites come and slay them (47).
Hence, the expedient thing was to fight or run. Giddianhi was a boastful, conceited leader, and had